Deutschland Sucht den Superstar (Germany's Search for a Superstar) is the German spinoff of producer Simon Fuller's amateur television showcase Pop Idol. Launched on the RTL network in October 2002, Deutschland Sucht den Superstar originally featured Swiss actress Michelle Hunziker and former soap opera actor Carsten Spengemann as co-hosts, with the jury comprised of composer/producer Dieter Bohlen, radio host Thomas Bug, British music journalist Shona Fraser, and former BMG Germany president Thomas M. Stein. Thanks in large part to Bohlen's acerbic commentary, Deutschland Sucht den Superstar quickly emerged as a ratings blockbuster. Since its premiere, the show has undergone numerous changes in hosts and jury members -- as well as ups and downs in its ratings -- but has persisted with nine seasons through 2012. ~ Jason Ankeny